The latest addition to the successful and versatile R-Series features industry-leading speed, minimum footprint, maximum flexibility and full IP67 classification for both arm and base.

Neuss, October 27^th 2020 – With the RS013N, Kawasaki Robotics introduces a new 6-axis robot with a maximum load capacity of 13 kg. The RS013N continues to offer the proven operational advantages of the R Series robots, complemented by a redesigned arm structure and weight reduction of the main unit. These improvements enable the fastest working speeds in this robot class and very high motion ranges. The new Kawasaki robot is optimized for use in numerous industries – including food and clean room applications. It offers excellent functional and environmental characteristics for assembly, material handling, machine loading and multiple other tasks.

Optimized Performance: The RS013N is the Fastest Robot in its Class   

The RS013N has a range of 1460 mm – for more flexibility in the design of production systems. The newly designed arm structure and drive system ensure significantly improved maximum speed and acceleration. By adapting the acceleration values to the load and the robot positioning, the RS013N also offers consistently optimized performance with significantly reduced cycle times.

Internal Ethernet Wiring and IP67 Classification

The dust-tight robot RS013N is characterised by completely covered motors and waterproof electrical connections. It offers both IP67 wrist and base classification. The models for floor, wall or ceiling mounting include ethernet wiring within the arm structure – for an easy connection of vision systems and other devices.

The RS013N is available to be ordered on January 4^th 2021.

Neuss, October 14th 2020 – Despite the noticeable effects of the corona pandemic in almost all manufacturing industries, Kawasaki Robotics continues to focus on an active and sustainable growth course. With a comprehensive and targeted strengthening of its sales team in Germany, the international manufacturer of industrial robots has now created a central strategic foundation for the coming years. Daniel Tillmann, Sales Manager Germany, has driven the expansion of the team: “Not only the ongoing COVID-19 situation requires a rethink, but also the growing automation needs of our customers. With our new sales structure we now have the optimal basis. Close to the customer, agile and solution-oriented”. Kawasaki Robotics Vice President Carsten Stumpf adds: “Especially small and medium-sized companies need practical consulting. Nobody wants high-end if they don’t need it. The solutions have to be tailored and needs-based – and not necessarily Industry 4.0 if the company does not need it. But: Even if the company does not currently need an Industry 4.0 solution, we still plan and build plants that are future-proof and ready for Industry 4.0.

Sales Support Center, Segment Driver and Technical Sales combine know-how and expertise

The newly established Sales Support Center (SSC) centrally supports the growing network of integrators and partners of Kawasaki Robotics – both in Germany and Europe. “The SSC provides the necessary support in the background so that our sales team can concentrate on their core task: helping customers automate their production,” says Tillmann. With the newly established technical sales department, Kawasaki Robotics is bundling essential expertise at the interface between sales and technical implementation: The team consists of long-standing employees who have gained comprehensive and practical experience in the areas of technology, application development and service and are very familiar with customers and partners. In addition, a new segment Driver is now strengthening the strategically important arc welding segment for Kawasaki Robotics. Among other things, the targeted expansion of the partner network and the systematic expansion of the portfolio, in particular added value products such as linear axes and positioners, will strengthen the market position of the manufacturer for robot-supported welding applications. 

New sales structure for small and medium-sized companies

Carsten Stumpf also welcomes the new structure, especially under the current conditions: “There is no doubt that the corona crisis will give an enormous boost to automation throughout Europe. But we will only see this effect in the medium term, after the crisis. An important focus for us in the coming months will therefore be to prepare for this upturn and to meet the increasing demand – especially in small and medium-sized companies – in a targeted manner and with the necessary know-how”.

Kawasaki Robotics (www.kawasakirobot.de), with its EMEA headquarters in Neuss, Germany, is a leading global supplier of industrial robots covering a wide range of applications around the world. With 50 years of robot experience and an extensive portfolio, Kawasaki supplies robots for all industries from Semicon to Automotive

Contact: Mr. Marc Kluge (02131 3426245 and m.kluge@kawasakirobot.de)

 Download the full case study here!  

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC group, is a leading producer of printing inks, coatings and supplies, pigments, polymers, liquid compounds, solid compounds, and application materials. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical has annual sales of more than $7.5 billion and over 20,000 employees supporting customers around the world. At its production site in Frankfurt am Main Sun Chemical manufactures printing inks for direct delivery of products to customers in Europe and the rest of the world. In the summer of 2019, Sun Chemical implemented a new robotic application in Frankfurt to support its continued growth.

Recently, the demands on the production capacities at Sun Chemical in Frankfurt am Main increased considerably, so that the need for appropriate automation quickly became clear and was also confirmed by the US group management. The goal of the new solution: to achieve a sustainable improvement in the efficiency and productivity of existing processes.

The premises in an industrial area in the eastern part of Frankfurt posed several challenges for the planning: The limited space in the older building had already been used to a considerable extent, the floor was partly uneven, the ceiling was low and there was a wide window front directly behind the future robot cell. Nevertheless, the new robot system had to be integrated into the existing production and a smooth pallet transfer had to be possible.

Becker Sonder-Maschinenbau and Kawasaki Robotics were Chosen

Initial contact with the system house and robot manufacturer was established at Fachpack 2018 in Nuremberg. While offers were also obtained from Denmark, Spain and Italy, the choice quickly fell on Becker Sonder-Maschinenbau and Kawasaki Robotics after the initial meeting at the trade fair. The presence in Germany was definitely a decisive factor: high quality and flexibility, reliability as well as the local proximity of the Becker Group were important.

In particular, maintenance and fast support are enormously important for smooth operation of the plant and long-term investment security. Becker Sonder-Maschinenbau has been working with Kawasaki Robotics products for a long time, and the customer was also quickly convinced of the quality and reliability of the robots. 

Shortly after the FachPack, Sebastian de Man, Division Manager Robotics of Becker Sonder-Maschinenbau, visited Sun Chemical for the first time and got an idea of the requirements, production and infrastructure on site. After examining several options, the order was placed in April 2019 and the new system was already commissioned in October of the same year.

It has not been the first experience with robots for Sun Chemical in Frankfurt: For several years now, a cartesian robot with three linear axes from a Danish manufacturer has been used elsewhere in the production facility. However, the 5-axis jointed-arm palletizing robot from Kawasaki Robotics clearly surpasses it in terms of precision, flexibility and working range.

 Production at Sun Chemical Frankfurt is usually run in two shifts and can be run through the new robot cell without interruption. However, three shifts are also possible at any time if required and are used regularly depending on the required production volume. The robot-supported system allows maximum throughput without breaks. Manuel Krause, Engineering & Maintenance Manager Germany at Sun Chemical, explains: “With two shifts, automation by robots definitely pays off. For three shifts it is absolutely essential”.

8 to 10 buckets per minute and up to 12,000 kg of paint per day

The finished ink is filled into 3 kilogram buckets, sealed and automatically labelled. A Kawasaki RD080N robot is equipped with a specially designed vacuum gripper and transports the closed, labelled buckets to a waiting pallet. With a maximum payload of 80 kg and a reach of 2,100 mm, the RD080N is designed specifically for palletizing applications. With industry leading work range and reliability, the high-speed palletizing robot helps companies improve production line efficiency. As soon as the pallet is completely loaded, it is removed by an employee via a roller conveyor for film wrapping as well as further loading and replaced by an empty pallet. The robot can resume operation immediately after the change. 

Particularly good for long-term planning: the system and the robot are currently running at only 50 to 80 percent of the available maximum capacity – there is still plenty of room to adapt to increasing requirements.

The system forms the end of the production process and can quickly become the bottleneck of production. But since it has been commissioned, the production capacity has been consistently higher.

Relief for the employees

In addition to increasing production capacity and long-term cost savings, the focus was also on relieving the ergonomic strain on employees. The handling of the paint buckets, the pallets as well as the regular readjustment were challenging for the employees in the long run – especially for older colleagues or those with physical complaints.

Despite initial scepticism, the system and the robot were quickly accepted and appreciated by all employees, reports Manuel Krause: “The solution must be robust and reliable – then it will be accepted. And if it is not too complex and makes the daily work of our colleagues easier, even more so”.

The next robot cell is already in development

The next step in the automation of Sun Chemical’s Frankfurt production is already planned: A similarly designed robotic cell for palletizing the paint buckets – but with two parallel feeders. At present, a manual feeder is used at the point of production, but this will be automated together with a second one in the future.

The new double-deck palletizer – an innovation at Sun Chemical – will reduce downtime to a minimum. If the employee removing the finished pallet is on a break or otherwise not present, the system will stop until the pallet is removed. “This can take up to 30-40 minutes in individual cases – valuable time in production and filling. With the new system, the robot can continue packing even when the pallet is full and the system can continue to run around the clock,” says Krause.

A centrally positioned Kawasaki robot takes over the palletising. The new system will also have directly integrated labelling and will also handle larger containers and other coloured products. This would also significantly reduce the workload of employees. Becker Sonder-Maschinenbau is currently implementing the design and first tests – the commissioning of the new system is planned for late 2020.

Doubling the size of warehouse, training centre and showroom: Kawasaki Robotics moves its facilities from the Sharjah SAIF Zone to Ras Al Khaimah

Neuss/Ras Al Khaimah, October 5th 2020 – The need for automation in a multitude of industries – from food to metal works – has been increasing exponentially over the last years within the MEA region. Kawasaki Robotics and its network of specialized integrators and product partners have been successfully supporting companies of all sizes with tailor-made, high-end robotics solutions. Driven by the steady growth of the last years Kawasaki Robotics now moves from the former facilities in Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah – effectively doubling the size of the warehouse, the showroom and the training centre. Our current Kawasaki office in the Dubai Airport Free zone will of course continue its work.

Continued Success with Excellent Solutions, Service and Partner Network

Kawasaki Robotics has established a strong presence on the market, also by continuously working with integrators and important partners in the MEA region. Long-time Kawasaki Robotics Sales Engineer Majd Khaleel will continue to coordinate operations with his team and selected partners in the UAE from the new location.

Carsten Stumpf, Vice President Kawasaki Robotics Germany, welcomes the development: “The need for automation in the region has been incredibly strong over the last years – it is one of the most dynamic robotics markets in the world right now. With tailor-made solutions, local service and application know-how, Kawasaki Robotics has been able to support that growth. We appreciate the trust in us and will continue to provide the high level of quality, support and know-how that our customers have grown to expect from us.”

Kawasaki Robotics (www.kawasakirobot.de), with its EMEA headquarters in Neuss, Germany, is a leading global supplier of industrial robots covering a wide range of applications around the world. With 50 years of robot experience and an extensive portfolio, Kawasaki supplies robots for all industries from Semicon to Automotive

Contact: Mr. Marc Kluge (02131 3426245 and m.kluge@kawasakirobot.de)

New digital format from December 7th: Kawasaki Robotics and partners present product innovations, new applications and solutions on a virtual booth

Neuss, October 1^st 2020 – Following the announcement by Messe München that the leading trade fair Automatica 2020 will not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kawasaki Robotics is launching a new digital format: Analogous to the planned booth at Automatica, the industrial robot manufacturer will present a broad portfolio of new products, applications and solutions together with selected partners in a virtual exhibition.

Kawasaki Robotics supports decision of Messe München

Carsten Stumpf, Vice President at Kawasaki Robotics Germany, supports Messe München’s decision: “Automatica is the leading trade fair in the field of robotics – and for us it is a key date that we have been working towards for a long time. Our teams and partners have already put a lot of effort into preparing the booth and applications. Cancelling the fair for security reasons is nevertheless the right consequence. In our view, however, anything else would not be justifiable – the health of our employees, visitors and partners clearly has priority here”.

Freely explorable 3D exhibition stand, product innovations, live demos and Co.

Together with partners, Kawasaki Robotics is reacting quickly and is currently preparing the new Virtual Expo format – integrated in the launch of a completely new website from December 7^th 2020. Visitors will be able to freely navigate the virtual 3D exhibition stand and explore everything that was planned for Automatica: including the new RS013N high-speed robot, the compact arc welding cell K-ARC Basic, augmented support from Smart Glasses and innovative partner solutions, for example in machine tool loading. In addition to the content at the virtual trade fair, live demos will be held and experts will be available via video chat and telephone. “We are very pleased about this project and are convinced that it represents a great alternative to a traditional trade fair in these difficult times,” says Carsten Stumpf.

More information and details about Kawasaki Robotics Virtual Expo 2020 will follow in the coming weeks.

Compact arc welding cell K-ARC Basic and the intuitive 3D simulation tool K-Virtual make the automation of welding processes easier, more flexible and more cost-efficient.

Neuss, September 1st 2020 – Welding automation made easy: With K-ARC Basic and K-Virtual, Kawasaki Robotics is now expanding its robot welding portfolio with new practical hardware and software solutions – also for smaller batch sizes and flexible productions:

K-ARC Basic: Compact and Plug and Play Welding Cell

Kawasaki Robotics K-ARC Basic Single is a complete turnkey arc welding robot solution, providing everything needed to automate welding processes within a compact cell. Simply set it up and production can begin – no further assembly work is required. It is suitable for MIG and MAG welding and is based on a Kawasaki Robotics BA006N arc welding robot and other high-quality components. The cell is available with the welding equipment of many leading manufacturers, such as Kemppi.  The Kawasaki Robotics safety module Cubic-S, a wearing part package and a Siegmund starter kit are included – further options are available as required. K-ARC Basic is robust, flexible and extremely easy to use: Programming and handling of the cell can be learned within just a few hours. This means that maximum welding speed, minimum weld spatter and virtually no need for corrections can be achieved with little effort. K-ARC Basic is therefore the optimal first step into the automation of welding processes, even for small and medium-sized companies.

K-Virtual: Intuitive 3D Simulation Platform for Kawasaki Robots

With the 3D simulation tool K-Virtual, Kawasaki Robotics also offers a new software solution for efficient plant engineering, practical robot simulation and convenient offline programming. K-Virtual is now available in several editions – from Basic to Expert – and optimized for various applications like arc welding. Companies are thus able to fully exploit the full performance capability of their Kawasaki robots within individual automation solutions – from initial installation to reprogramming and plant re-engineering. K-Virtual is based on CENIT’s Fastsuite Edition 2 technology and is optimized for use with Kawasaki robots and equipment. Plants of all kinds can be mapped, designed and planned exactly and with the highest precision in K-Virtual. The K-Virtual Arc Edition also makes the programming of paths for arc welding extremely intuitive, automatically optimizes them and reduces the time required to a minimum.

Talk to us!
Sales Team GermanyTel: +49 2131 3426-0
email:sales@kawasakirobot.de

At the Institut Chemnitzer Maschinen- und Anlagenbau e.V. (ICM), research and practical plant engineering come together: Since 1992 the institute has been a central contact point for small and medium-sized companies to implement innovative ideas and concepts. Processes, plants and products for numerous sectors and industries are developed here together with the approximately 50 employees – including in the fields of mechanical and plant engineering, electromobility and medical technology.

The ICM has firmly established itself as an innovative research partner in the southwest Saxony region for years – but many partners from the rest of Germany also draw on the expertise in Chemnitz. From mechanical design to electronics and software development to test rig and prototype development: The ICM provides all the necessary expertise to support complex projects from conception to commissioning.

Robotics and automation for small and medium-sized companies

For years, projects with a strong focus on robotics and automation have played a central role at the ICM – bundled in its own training and application center (SchAz) and as a central information and learning location for all interested companies, also within the framework of a wide range of event formats.

The SchAz develops individual automation solutions for the production of numerous industries. Together with experienced experts, potential is identified, concepts are systematically developed, tested for technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness and implemented in a practical manner. Modern safety and operating concepts also play a central role. In addition, interested parties have the opportunity to try out their ideas and possible problem solutions directly on site – under experienced guidance and with direct feedback.

Several demo applications in the SchAz show visitors the range of automation solutions developed and sustainably supported there. These are also regularly available for tests and trials.    

 Flexible lot sizes: Challenge for production

One of the biggest challenges in the automated production of small and medium-sized companies has been the batch size factor for many years. Even fluctuating batch sizes down to “batch size 1” must be able to be served quickly and flexibly – especially if the portfolio is diverse or customer requirements are to be met promptly. A special demonstrator at the SchAz shows what an optimally designed, quickly adaptable and intuitively operated system can look like: A Kawasaki Robotics RS010L equipped with several precision grippers from the Zimmer Group and mounted on a manually movable base.

The universal high-speed robot is one of the all-rounders of the R series for small and medium loads. With their compact design, high precision and reach and large working range, R-series robots are suitable for numerous tasks in many industries – including handling and machine tending. The RS010L has a load capacity of 10 kg and a reach of 1,925 mm.

Quick and easy to adapt: Agile production

An individually equipped perforated plate with 146 slots for different coloured plastic pins is processed. After the empty die plates have been fed into the work area, the RS010L attaches the studs in the desired configuration, which are provided by an additional conveyor belt feed. This can be adjusted at any time in the shortest possible time and without programming effort.

For additional flexibility, another industrial robot is used on a mobile shuttle system. This robot picks up the empty perforated plates, transports them to the Kawasaki Robotics RS010L and transports the loaded plate to the final assembly at the manual workstation.

Fences in combination with light barriers, together with the Kawasaki Cubic-S safety module, ensure the safety of the plant and the employees present – a decisive factor given the collaborative character of the plant.

The demonstrator for batch size 1 illustrates how various trends in modern automation, such as mobile robotics and collaboration, as well as extensive know-how are combined in a practical project. Thus, robot systems and special machines are developed, designed and tested from one source.

Based on CENIT’s proven FASTSUITE technology: K-Virtual enables agile development, programming and optimization of complex robot applications via an intuitive platform – available from September 1, 2020.

Neuss, July 16th 2020 – With K-Virtual, Kawasaki Robotics is offering a new software solution for efficient plant engineering, practical robot simulation and convenient offline programming as of September 1, 2020. K-Virtual will be available in several editions – from Basic to Expert – and optimized for various applications like arc welding. Companies are thus able to fully exploit the full performance capability of their Kawasaki robots within individual automation solutions – from initial installation to reprogramming and plant re-engineering.

K-Virtual was developed in cooperation with the long-standing partner CENIT on the basis of CENIT FASTSUITE Edition 2. In addition to 50 years of robotics expertise from Kawasaki Robotics, more than 30 years of experience as a software provider in the field of digital factory flowed into the new tool. Carsten Stumpf, Vice President at Kawasaki Robotics Germany, explains: “Industry 4.0 requires new approaches and concepts. Virtual factories and plant models must be an accurate representation of real production systems in every respect. With CENIT we have the right partner to offer our customers the optimal tool for planning individual automation”. 

Kawasaki robots are used in numerous complex manufacturing processes – from semiconductors to automotive. Demanding applications are difficult to implement in the required process quality and efficiency using manual programming. Simulation-based solutions therefore play an increasingly important role in the implementation of new plant concepts or manufacturing processes. With K-Virtual as an intuitive and agile 3D simulation platform, Kawasaki Robotics offers its customers the optimal tool for the future-proof planning of their automation processes.

Kurt Bengel, CEO of CENIT AG, also views the cooperation with Kawasaki Robotics positively: “This partnership is a new milestone in our strategy of enabling agile manufacturing technologies and production concepts with our own software. We are looking forward to the innovative cooperation!“

Kawasaki Robotics (www.kawasakirobot.de), with its EMEA headquarters in Neuss, Germany, is a leading global supplier of industrial robots covering a wide range of applications around the world. With 50 years of robot experience and an extensive portfolio, Kawasaki supplies robots for all industries from Semicon to Automotive

Contact: Mr. Marc Kluge (02131 3426245 and m.kluge@kawasakirobot.de)

It is not only a strong proof of mutual trust, which is the foundation in business. It is also the result of over 13 years of our successful operations. We have not only strengthened and developed the Kawasaki Robotics brand in Poland, but we also develop robotics as a part of broad technological progress– said Stefan Życzkowski, ASTOR President. He also added that in his view signing such a significant contract proves how effective ASTOR company has been in making Polish industrial plants interested in investments in robotics.

It is more than simple appreciation of our sales results. We share a similar vision of cooperating with people, including the approach to clients.  We strive to provide great after-sales technical support, with 24-hour robotics service. We also develop the skills of knowledge sharing within our Robotics Training Center, which is rapidly growing – Stefan Życzkowski summed up.

From the perspective of Kawasaki Robotics GmbH, cooperation between ASTOR and Kawasaki has reached a level that was above our expectations. We greatly appreciate marketing activities aimed at strengthening the Kawasaki Robotics brand in Poland and the professional style of operations of the entire ASTOR organization. This has led to a significant increase the Kawasaki Robotics share in the robots market in Poland. All that, plus a unique spirit of optimism that we always feel when meeting the team, has paved the way for the strong cooperation – confirmed Kenji Bando, the President of Kawasaki Robotics GmbH / Carsten Stumpf, Vice President of Kawasaki Robotics GmbH.

How will the cooperation be carried out?

The new structure of Kawasaki Robotics Central and Eastern Europe HUB (Kawasaki Robotics CEE HUB), which includes Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Poland, is managed by ASTOR and is based in ASTOR Robotics Center in Krakow. The main purpose of the organization is to increase availability and speed of technical support. Also, situating a satellite of Kawasaki Robotics GmbH in Poland unlocks a potential for greater synergy within the region, due to culture similarities between countries and better understanding of the market in this part of Europe. The main tasks and goals of Kawasaki Robotics CEE HUB include development in the area of knowledge delivery and increase in sales of Kawasaki robots. Value that ASTOR adds to the new structure includes an experienced team of robotics engineers and extensive design, technical and training facilities, that provide robotic solutions tailored to Industry 4.0. They give a competitive advantage to all companies cooperating with ASTOR in Poland and from now on, also in the region of Central and Eastern Europe.

However, by taking strict precautions for all employees, Kawasaki Robotics will be able to maintain robot production in Akashi & Nishi-Kobe at the usual level. Kawasaki is also taking proven precautions for all employees outside of production – especially home working. This not only ensures the health of all colleagues, but also stable production and worldwide supply.

At Kawasaki Robotics Germany we also remain fully operational and are there for our partners and customers. Our extensive warehouse in Neuss ensures additional stability and planning reliability for us and our customers. Our technical and service departments are available as usual for all questions, problems and support requests. In addition, our academy team now also offers all our training courses as webinars.

We are there for you. Take care of yourself and your fellow human beings and stay healthy.